Sunday, February 06, 2011

I've been thinking about today for the last few weeks. It's our 10 year anniversary.

Ten years ago today, Jason and I skipped chapel at CCU and went to downtown Denver. We paid $10 each, said our vows in front of the judge and had our wedding kiss in the Denver Post in a story on that judge.

Ten years was a number that I looked forward to because it sounded like the number of a mature married couple. I see now that ten years is just the beginning of a glorious union that God has brought together. The places we've been, jobs we've had, things we've worked out are just a taste of all the things yet to come.

Seeing more clearly every year God's hand on all that we do has made these last ten years so good:

-We've traveled and encouraged believers in 13 countries

-We've had 5 jobs that have all moved us closer to what God had for us at the next job and phase of life.

-We've moved 8 times and every location has been exactly what we needed at the time.

-God's given us 5 cars over the last 10 years that we haven't had to pay for. They've all been glorious mid-90s monsters that have even broken down at just the right times.

-We've been given two kids to raise in the fear of God and to see His glory and we're only now grasping some of the magnificence of that task.

-We've gained a deeper and more God-entranced vision of all things, including each other.

And that last good thing has really been the best thing. Without this deepening and joy-filled sight of God, the little annoyances and day to day misunderstandings would have worn at these last 10 years.

Living together as a man and a woman is not made to be easy, but it is made to be good! So, my dear and faithful Jason, here are the things that cause me to respect and love you more as we shuffle on this mortal coil:

-Your faith that God's sovereignty is always good and right

-Being able to look at life and say, "What's the worst that could happen?" and knowing it's a momentary light affliction.

-The joy you have of our children.

-Your full understanding that all that you have is to be given to others to glorify God...whether it's your time, your car or your finances.

-That you do not write or say anything lightly, but weigh things carefully.

-And, while it may seem silly, I love that you are so strong and stately looking.

I love you and, if God wills, I want to be able to spend 70 more years maturing in the knowledge of all God has made marriage to be.